Personal Safety

While Newcastle is
generally a safe place to live and study, it is still important that you take
precautions to reduce the chance of an incident occurring.

Going out

When you are out
with friends or by yourself, here are some simple things to consider:

Always plan your trip home,
especially at night. You may want to pre-book a taxi or arrange transport
with a friend. Always make sure you have enough money to get home

Try to travel with a friend or in a
group

Keep your bag and belongings close
to your body and where you can always see them

Never hitch hike

If you don't have a mobile phone,
make sure money to make a phone call

Where available, use pedestrian
walkways and cross the street at pedestrian crossings or lights

Leave valuables at home if you
don't need to take them with you. This includes jewellery, electronic
equipment such as iPads and your passport

Don't carry large amounts of money
with you. You can access your money at ATMs found in shops, supermarkets,
petrol stations, shopping malls, bars, shop fronts and many other public
places

Call 000 in the event of an
emergency. Remember,
calls to 000 are free of charge

Public
transport

A number of security
measures have been implemented to maximise the safety of public transport users
including security officers and guards, help points, good lighting and security
cameras. However you should still use caution when travelling on public
transport:

Avoid isolated bus and rail stops
and stations

Check transport timetables to avoid
long waits, particularly at night

Train carriages nearest to the
driver or guard are lit and safest at night

If you find yourself left in a
train carriage on your own or with only one other person you may feel more
comfortable moving to another carriage

Taxis

Some tips when using
taxis in Australia:

Sit wherever you feel most
comfortable – it is normal for passengers to sit in the front or the rear
of the taxi

Always ensure you know the address
of your destination before getting into the taxi

Tell the driver the route you would
like to take to your destination, and don't be afraid to speak up if the
driver takes you a different route, particularly one you are unfamiliar
with

If
you don't want the driver to know exactly where you live, get them to drop you
off a short distance away